"...with the current scientific knowledge, not enough alternative methods are yet available to replace the use of non-human primates"

The response of the European Commission to the Declaration of the European Parliament of primates in scientific experiments, January 2008:

"Some alternative techniques are available and have been successfully used to reduce our need to resort to non-human primates. However, it is understood that, with the current scientific knowledge, not enough alternative methods are yet available to replace the use of non-human primates in all areas of biomedical research today, or in the near future"

"Given the current state of knowledge, the use of a limited number of other species of non-human primate remains, however, unavoidable for several vital research programs such as on immune based diseases (e.g multiple sclerosis), neuro-degenerative disorders (Parkinson, Alzheimer e.t.c), infectious diseases (HIV, Malaria, TB, Hepatitis, SARS, e.t.c) and other serious diseases. 12 out of 17 diseases listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) under the programme to fight epidemics and pandemics require the use of non-human primates during the development, production or testing of the related vaccines and medicines"